Tag Archives: DAVID EQUALITY WATTERS

Harvey Milk and supporters children along with his openly GLBT nephew Stuart Milk.

We, as a community, are under or misrepresented in the media and this impacts upon how individuals are perceived and treated by society. Positive, inspirational role models from the LGBT community can have an enormous impact on addressing this and can give hope to individuals who feel less valid and disenfranchised from society.

The “community” if such a thing exists is diverse but too many live in the shadows. My point, with this book, is that self worth determines our potential and that blending in is a direct result of feeling “less than”, feeling ashamed of how God (whatever that means to you) made you”.

Harvey Milk’s legacy, for me, is the growing number of proud LGBT individuals who refuse to live lives limited by the judgment of others.

We can be part of society without blending in. To me it means living with 100% authenticity (as Dr Phil or Oprah might say!). We shouldn’t compromise our identity to be accepted and everyone regardless of sexuality or gender identity has a right to fully live.

Life need not be a self-fulfilling prophecy and by recognizing that our “truth” has been shaped through our relationships, our environment and our experiences, we can begin to change our perceptions, heighten our self-esteem and move toward our personal and professional goals with clear vision and purpose….

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, CULTURAL CHANGE – MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

The book sets out to highlight and challenge social perceptions of the LGBT community; to understand the causes of low self-esteem and suicide ideation felt by many LGBT individuals and, through a unique collection of inspirational interviews with well known and everyday people, to inspire and encourage the younger generation, or anyone questioning their validity, to lead a balanced, fulfilling and dignified life.

Role models from education, entertainment, law enforcement, medical and emergency services, politics, religion and sports have participated in this accessible and much needed discourse to illuminate the reader’s journey of self-discovery and self- efficacy.

Openly LGBT and successful role model figures can play an enormous part in highlighting the wealth of possibilities available to young people. These people, who are successfully modelling admirable qualities and character traits such as determination, diligence, vision and consistent effort, can only serve to inspire and encourage the younger generation, or anyone questioning their validity, to lead a balanced, fulfilling and dignified life.

For young people coming to terms with their sexuality it’s really important that they have positive, high achieving role models as a way of boosting their self esteem and confidence. This kind of book shares the experience of a very diverse group of LGBT people. Individual and collective experience offers the inspiration and motivation for LGBT people to do something worthwhile with their lives and live their dream.

Peter Tatchell

It’s no shame to get help and inspiration from others, which is why David Watters ‘Never Blend In’, is so timely.

Like this:

Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute. He is a writer on social inequality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and which aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-esteem or who question their validity.

David is currently promoting a youtube campaign “Give ’em Hope” and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity.

He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out and The Harvey Milk Foundation.

DAVID E WATTERS SPEAKING AT NO TO HATE VIGIL IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE, OCT 2010

DEADLIEST OF SINS SPEECH — DAVID E. WATTERS

My message tonight is that Somehow in some way YOU are capable of great things.

This is not a time for silence but a time to take personal responsibility, to speak out and to share our humanity; because the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of the spirit and YOU, as much as anyone, can influence real social change.

Harvey Bernard Milk, and others of his generation, fought for social progress with intelligence and creativity.

Harvey talked of breaking down the closet doors, yet for many these doors remain firmly locked; bolted both inside and out.

On the surface, it seems that society has grown more “accepting”, note the inverted commas, of the LGBT community but this, in itself, still suggests that “acceptance” is required, that we are “less than” and that our VALUE is based upon the judgment of others. (?)

ALL the “ism’s” still exist and, YES, ALL prejudices have equal importance, require of us to remain vigilant and ALL must be actively challenged.

Bigoted behaviour occurs in many different ways and can range, as YOU know, from subtle to malicious and even if Bigotry is, in theory, being addressed in the law, in policy and in procedure within schools and in the workplace, culturally the progress is much slower.

We must not allow ourselves to be defined and judged solely by sexuality or gender identity any more than we should be defined or judged by our cultural heritage, the colour of our skin, our profession, our income or even… our taste in music.

For us to effectively tackle any of the “isms”, we all must engage in actions which address discrimination and prejudicial attitudes in every area of our society; our schools and universities, our workplaces, our communities and our shopping malls.

Each and every one of us has an obligation to take responsibility for making our society safer, fairer and more inclusive and we should not rely on the good will and hard work of others to secure that just and equal society, whilst complaining that we ourselves are powerless.

Whatever YOUR strengths, whatever YOUR core character traits, there is something that YOU can do to influence change in the world.

It’s not about waving a placard or marching in a parade, unless that’s your style. Instead, it’s about finding the correct method of communication for YOU.

Sign that petition, tweet and retweet your views, repost a powerful YouTube video or an article you’ve found, Facebook or MySpace it, write to your MP, talk to, write to, email if you have to political leaders, police forces, health services, broadcasters and employers so that they too can all positively influence the way that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are perceived.

We can no longer wait for another Harvey Milk to follow or rely on the Peter Tatchell’s of this world, the pioneers, the visionaries, to fight our fight; but instead must learn ways to be tenacious, tireless and determined advocates for social equality ourselves.

We must, ourselves, find the strength, resolve and determination to lead and influence the change we want to see, to bring hope to those who have none.

David Watters, a graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, Trinity College of Music, London and the Institute of Education, University of London, has worked internationally within education and Educational Management for more than 20 years.

He has taught extensively within many socially and culturally diverse settings; most recently as a Head of Performing Arts within Further Education.

He is a personal and professional development associate with The Pacific Institute(www.pacificinstitute.co.uk), personal coach, freelance writer and founding member of NBI Associates.

He is a writer on social equality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and which aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-esteem or who question their validity.

David is currently promoting a youtube campaign“Give ’em Hope”and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity.

He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out, The Terrence Higgins Trust, The Albert Kennedy Trust and The Harvey Milk Foundation.

His background in arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Strategies, and his passion for Equality Advocacy drive every aspect of his work as a personal development facilitator, motivational speaker and writer.

A resource for those who identify as male but are viewed by the world as female.

This clash in how we see ourselves and how we are perceived by others is a painful and challenging experience for many. Fortunately there is growing awareness and understanding of the transgender experience. There are numerous resources available and groups which exist to support and advise, to guide and validate your experience. Above all, even if you feel like the only FTM or F2M in your village, you are not alone.

This is not an exhaustive resource and I would be extremely grateful for any further links, particularly for young transmen.

Thanks and respect to my friend Jack Ori, for his incredible work in this area and particularly for his consistent support for our Give ‘em Hope family.

Jack Ori is a motivational life coach and writer serving the LGBT and autism communities, with a special focus on transgender people, people with Aspergers syndrome and their families. He has a Masters in creative writing from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors in psychology from Pitzer College; Jack supplements his formal education with life experiences in order to help you look deeper into yourself and find ways to live that work for you.

Jack says, “I work with people in the transgender and aspergers communities and their parents to help facilitate communication and to help them find answers to their problems and experience greater joy”.

This article extract is highly recommended for those who are struggling to find a way to “come out” to parents. Read this short introduction and click the link to go to Jack’s full, informative article.

Coming Out to Your Parents

Every aspect of the coming out process can help you feel relieved because you are no longer carrying as heavy a secret; in addition, coming out can help you feel more visible and less alone. Many transgender people are eager to come out to their families because they long for the recognition and love for their real selves that they have never fully felt. Others are reluctant to do so because they are pretty sure the reaction will be negative or they feel too fragile to handle parental rejection. Coming out to your parents is an intensely personal choice; there is no one decision that fits all transgender people and their families. If you’re considering coming out, there are certain things to consider.

Information for Family, Partners, Friends, and Allies

In this video eight families with transgender and gender non-conforming children ranging in ages from 5 to 25 share their stories. With the healthy development of their children at stake, parents must confront binary perceptions of gender, widespread transphobia and controversial parenting decisions.

TransFamily

www.transfamily.org
TransFamily is a support group for transgender and transsexual people, their parents, partners, children, other family members, friends, and supportive others. They provide referrals, literature, and over-the-phone information on all transgender issues.

Mermaids

www.mermaids.freeuk.com
A family support group in the UK for children and teenagers with gender issues. Has a medical section and an intersex medical section, advice to parents, writings of young people, coming out stories of young people, and a list of links of young trans people.

FTM Trans SOFFAs

groups.yahoo.com/group/FtM-trans-SOFFAs
This group is for SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family of FTMs: husbands, wives, partners, children, teens, siblings, boyfriends, girlfriends, lovers, friends and other allies). It is an unmoderated and relatively open group. All referred by FtM-trans moderator are welcome, as are lovers and allies from other lists, all subject to moderator approval. The object is support, friendship, and the open exchange of information.

Straight Men, FTM/GQ Partners

groups.yahoo.com/group/str8menftmpartner
This group is for straight or straightish non-trans male partners of FTMs, trans men, FTV/FCDs, and malewards-vectored genderqueer folk. This group is designed to fill a gap in support for the partners of transfolk and to be comfortable for straight non-trans guys to talk about how their partners’ gender identities and expressions affect them. You belong here if: you are a straight or mostly straight non-trans guy, and your female-assigned partner isn’t totally comfortable identifying or presenting as female.

The Boyz Club

groups.yahoo.com/group/TheBoyzClub-FtM-trans-SOFFAS/
This list is for male partners/lovers/boyfriends of (FtM) men, including those FtMs living with or otherwise involved with other FtMs. Poly, B*DSM and other alternative relationships supported. ‘PC’ attitudes not required. Basically, just a list for men in love with other men, FtM or not, but list is FtM-oriented. Women not excluded but list is primarily for males in relationships, including friendships, with FtMs and seeking support from like-minded persons.

This Guide is intended to provide information on topics of interest to female-to-male (FTM, F2M) trans men, and their friends and loved ones. Non-trans men have also found the pages on men’s grooming and clothing to be helpful. Transsexual, non-transsexual, intersex, transgender, genderqueer, questioning, and “just plain folks” are all welcome.

See also: FTM London

FTM London started in 1997 as a peer support group for female to male transgender or transsexual people.

Today we are a diverse and exciting group that continues to offer much needed support as well as information, resources and friendly networking for the FTM community. We work to alleviate the isolation that can be felt around gender identity issues.

We are comprised of trans guys, genderqueer people, and all those who were assigned female at birth and are questioning their gender identity. Although based in central London, many attend our meetings from further afield. We are one of the largest face to face groups of our kind in the country.

We’re here to meet the needs of our members and attendees. The meetings are in large part a chance to hang out with other trans people, have a cuppa and a chin wag. We offer peer support, information and literature as well as regular guest speakers who are experts in gender identity issues and trans culture.

want to get in touch?
If you feel like FTM London might be a good place for you, why not pop down to our next meeting, check out our website, give us a buzz or send us an email?

or write to them

FTM LONDON

BCM FTM LONDON

LONDON

WC1N 3XX

This resource was created by David E Watters

David Watters, a graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, Trinity College of Music, London and the Institute of Education, University of London, has worked internationally within education and Educational Management for more than 20 years.

He has taught extensively within many socially and culturally diverse settings; most recently as a Head of Performing Arts within Further Education.

He is a personal and professional development associate with The Pacific Institute (www.pacificinstitute.co.uk), personal coach, freelance writer and founding member of NBI Associates.

He is a writer on social equality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and which aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-esteem or who question their validity.

David is currently promoting a youtube campaign“Give ’em Hope”and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity.

He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out, The Terrence Higgins Trust, The Albert Kennedy Trust and The Harvey Milk Foundation.

His background in arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Strategies, and his passion for Equality Advocacy drive every aspect of his work as a personal development facilitator, motivational speaker and writer.

WHAT IS THE GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN?

Stage One – The Give ’em Hope Campaign is an inclusive and inspirational celebration of diversity; an online video initiative to encourage and uplift those who feel marginalised, isolated or limited by labels. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most and do so by sharing our stories.

The campaign was founded by David E Watters in early 2011 and has grown, with the support of numerous international cheerleaders and proactive participants.

Stage Three – is the living family support network which flourishes on facebook. Both the group and sister page are staffed by an international team of compassionate administrators, of diverse backgrounds, who provide unrivalled support and guidance.

Research and build a list of conferences being held around the country so that I can explore speaking opps on their behalf. Have your admin or virtual assistant do the same! Half the battle seems to be knowing what`s out there.

David Watters, a graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, Trinity College of Music, London and the Institute of Education, University of London, has worked internationally within education and Educational Management for more than 20 years.

David is a writer and speaker on social equality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and which aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-esteem or who question their validity.

David is currently promoting a youtube campaign“Give ’em Hope” and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity.

He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out, The Terrence Higgins Trust, The Albert Kennedy Trust and The Harvey Milk Foundation.

His background in arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Strategies, and his passion for Equality Advocacy drive every aspect of his work as a personal development facilitator, motivational speaker and writer.

This really is not about my ego it is about raising the profile of this initiative.

WHY NOMINATE ME?

Apart from founding and coordinating the Give ’em Hope Campaign, this is what I am doing to secure equality and diversity internationally:

I am currently fighting for marriage equality at the European Court of Human Rights as part of the Equal Love Campaign (www.equallove.org.uk),

I write on social inequality for www.ambiente.us, 10,000 Couples, Polari and other sites,

As a motivational speaker I have spoken at the NO to Hate Vigil in Trafalgar Square London alongside Peter Tatchell and Stuart Milk and additionally I speak regularly in the media about Equal Love and other areas of social inequality,

As the founder and coordinator of the GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN and with my music, media and art students and newly founded Andover Choir For Everyone, I will be staging a Pro-Equality Festival in 2012.

Additionally, I am Director of NBI Associates (www.nbiassociates.co.uk), a company founded with the sole purpose of eradicating labels, raising self-esteem and helping individuals to achieve their true potential.

“…all that David does involves assisting people – any and all people – to live authentically, to no longer accept the judgments and limitations imposed on them by others, and to believe in themselves as valid individuals. To that end, he has recently undertaken two new endeavors: NBI Associates, an organization which empowers people to make personal and professional transformations, and the “Give ‘em Hope” video campaign on YouTube.”

The Independent on Sunday’s annual Pink List returns next month, celebrating the 101 most influential lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender men and women in Britain.

Since the list was last published in 2010, we can add to the list an England cricketer (Steven Davies), an X Factor winner (Joe McElderry) and a chart-topping singer (Jessie J). But influence is not all about hitting a boundary or appearing at Glastonbury on a gilded throne.

Of course, it takes courage to be gay in the public eye – particularly in the world of sport, for instance, or for women who aspire to thrive in a career in television. Last year, we awarded the joint number one position to the rugby player Gareth Thomas and Mary Portas, the Queen of Shops.

But there are many more people who daily improve life in this country without their work ever receiving applause. Campaigners who effect the first small changes that eventually become written into law. Volunteers who work with young people. They too deserve our garlands of praise.

This year, then, we would like to ask for your help. Do you know an unsung champion whose work promotes real progress and equality in this country? Is there someone whose name should be celebrated alongside national treasures such as Sir Ian McKellen, Alan Bennett, Sue Perkins and Jeanette Winterson? We want you to let us know.

You can send your nominations in the following ways: by email, to pinklist@independent.co.uk; or post your nomination at:www.independent.co.uk/pinklist2011; and by post: Pink List,The Independent on Sunday, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. A panel of high-profile judges will pore over your suggestions and bring you their final 101 on 23 October.

Each year, the Pink List receives its fair share of praise and censure. And the ever-increasing number of worthy nominees proves that being gay is less and less of a defining factor. Here is proof that gay men and women can be sporting legends, or courageous soldiers, or actors, cabinet ministers, judges or dancers – anything at all.

As for the definition of influential – this time, that’s up to you. Let us know who inspires you. And if that person happens to be a chart-topping singer or a sporting star – well, we’re happy to consider them for the list, too.

Well, he is currently fighting for marriage equality at the European Court of Human Rights as part of the Equal Love Campaign (www.equallove.org.uk), he writes on social inequality for http://www.ambiente.us, 10,000 Couples, Polari and other sites, as a motivational speaker he has spoken at the NO to Hate Vigil in Trafalgar Square London alongside Peter Tatchell and Stuart Milk and additionally speaks regularly in the media about Equal Love and other areas of social inequality, he is the founder and coordinator of the GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN and with his students and newly founded Andover Choir For Everyone, he will be staging a Pro-Equality Festival in 2012.

Additionally, he is Director of NBI Associates (www.nbiassociates.co.uk), a company founded with the sole purpose of eradicating labels, raising self-esteem and helping individuals to achieve their true potential.

“…all that David does involves assisting people – any and all people – to live authentically, to no longer accept the judgments and limitations imposed on them by others, and to believe in themselves as valid individuals. To that end, he has recently undertaken two new endeavors: NBI Associates, an organization which empowers people to make personal and professional transformations, and the “Give ‘em Hope” video campaign on YouTube.”

NEVER BLEND IN is an accessible book about achieving personal authenticity, a groundbreaking and vital book of exclusive celebrity and deeply personal non-celebrity interviews, which is aimed primarily at a young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning audience. The book, however, is also of value to educators, parents, family and mental health professionals seeking insight into the LGBTQ experience.

Role models from education, entertainment, law enforcement, medical and emergency services, politics, religion and sports have participated in this much needed discourse to illuminate the reader’s journey of self-discovery and to illustrate that living a life unlimited by labels will lead to personal, professional and spiritual fulfilment.

These candid stories and wise words are a powerful toolkit to encourage, inspire, uplift and give hope to those who need it most; those who may feel disenfranchised or who may lack self-belief.

These stories of living authentically, with dignity and unlimited by labels will help readers to understand how self esteem determines the path they choose and that life need not be a self fulfilling prophecy when they improve self-concept, drive out fear and embrace new challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, eliminate self imposed limitations and cease dependence on others to provide validity.

Harvey Milk’s legacy is the growing number of proud lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals who refuse to live their lives limited by the judgment of others.

The various voices in this book candidly and sincerely share their wisdom and belief that we can be an important part of society without blending in; that we can live with 100% authenticity, unlimited by labels; that we shouldn’t be expected to compromise our identity to find acceptance and everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender identity, has a right to fully live.

There is practical advice and guidance from the LGBT community on how life need not be a self-fulfilling prophecy and that by recognizing that our “truth” has been shaped through our relationships, our environment and our experiences, we can begin to change our perceptions, heighten our self-esteem and move toward our personal and professional goals with clear vision and purpose….

About the Author

Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute.